My name is Benazeer Ilyas, and I come from a small village where, at the time, girls were not typically sent to school. Despite this, I worked to earn a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology. Becoming one of the few female graduates from my village is a milestone I will always be deeply proud of.
After graduation, I had every intention of building a career in technology. But life took a different path. I got married and chose to focus on my family. Earning my degree had been a challenge; pursuing my dream job became another battle I couldn’t win at that time. Still, for 15 years, I quietly held onto that dream.
I’m a mother of three with wonderful children, including a 9-year-old daughter and 6-year-old twin boys. My days were full, and the idea of restarting a career felt overwhelming. I often asked myself: Will I find the courage and energy to do this? Is it too late?
But as I encouraged my children to chase their dreams, I realized I had one too. I wanted to show them that it’s never too late to pursue what you love.
Re-Entering the IT Industry
The gap in my resume and lack of professional experience made re-entering the tech industry difficult. Doubt crept in. Still, I moved forward while my husband supported me every step of the way. He carried extra responsibilities at home while I searched for stability and opportunity. As he played the role of being mom and dad simultaneously, his belief in me gave me the confidence to keep going.
A turning point came when I discovered LaunchCode. Their support reignited my passion and gave me a pathway back into technology. That path led me to apply for Broadcom’s Mainframe Vitality Program—an opportunity that changed everything.
As I began learning about the mainframe, I was surprised by its scale and impact. I came to understand how deeply it supports global technology and the industries we rely on every day. That realization strengthened my commitment to grow in this space.
Being accepted into the program was an unforgettable moment. What stood out most was that my interview focused not on my 15-year gap, but on my determination, curiosity, and willingness to learn. That meant everything to me, and my sincere thanks will always go out to Donna Amaral, Earl Dixon Jr., David Bond, and Neal Cash for believing in me.
Conquering the Mainframe Learning Curve
The learning curve was steep at first. Some core concepts were difficult to grasp, but I persisted. With world-class training from Gregory Szabo, complex topics became clear and manageable. His guidance helped me build both understanding and confidence. Over time, the bigger picture came into focus.
The program’s structured schedule, comprehensive materials, and hands-on labs made the transition smoother than I expected. And the Vitality Mentors would regularly meet with me to ensure that my efforts were recognized and challenges addressed quickly.
The mentorship that followed product training was equally transformative. Working with the IDMS Support Team—including Jennifer Bailey, Brian Brendlinger, Susan Brendlinger, Rob Forsell, Randolph Bardowell, and Adam Ririe—gave me first-hand exposure to deep troubleshooting expertise and collaborative problem-solving. I’m grateful for their guidance and responsiveness throughout my journey.
Today, I am proud to serve as a full-time IDMS Administrator. I’ve stepped into this new chapter with confidence, clarity, and gratitude.
This experience has reinforced a simple truth: Resilience, support, and self-belief can bridge even a 15-year pause. Sometimes the path isn’t direct—but it can still lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.